Thongsavan Phomvihane, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR, has reached India to co-chair the 10th India-Lao PDR Joint Commission Meeting. This high-level visit, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), signifies an important milestone as both nations celebrate seventy years of formal diplomatic relations. The visit is expected to enhance existing partnerships and foster cooperation across multiple sectors.
The MEA extended a warm welcome to Phomvihane, marking this visit as his inaugural trip to India. The meeting will be co-chaired with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reinforcing the commitment to deepen ties. The visit comes at a time when both countries recognise the importance of historical ties and shared strategic objectives.
According to official sources, the Joint Commission Meeting serves as an institutional dialogue mechanism that resumes after several years. The last meeting took place on November 23, 2018, in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This renewed interaction is anticipated to augment the longstanding partnership and address areas of mutual interest.
Strengthening Cooperation in Various Sectors
The official dialogue follows previous discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone, held in Vientiane in October 2024. During this meeting, Siphandone expressed appreciation for India’s contribution in flood relief following Typhoon Yagi, underscoring India’s dependable role during humanitarian challenges.
Further discussions highlighted the restoration and conservation efforts for Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is being undertaken with the assistance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The leaders emphasised that such initiatives add a unique dimension to the bilateral relationship.
Prime Ministers Modi and Siphandone also acknowledged the significance of their close cooperation in regional and multilateral platforms, with Siphandone reiterating India’s vital role on the international stage. The visit is therefore positioned not only to revitalise existing relations but also to foster new avenues for collaboration.
Agreements to Advance Bilateral Cooperation
Following the discussions, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were exchanged, focusing on diverse sectors such as defence, broadcasting, and customs cooperation. Additionally, three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) were initiated under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework.
These Quick Impact Projects aim to uphold the civilisational heritage shared by India and Lao PDR. They include the preservation of Lao Ramayan heritage, restoration of the Wat Pakea Buddhist temple featuring murals related to the Ramayan, and support for shadow puppetry theatre in the Champasak province. Each of these projects is backed by a Government of India grant assistance of approximately USD 50,000.
The agreements and collaborations signify a broader commitment to deepen ties, reflecting both nations’ efforts to sustain and enrich their historical and cultural connections.
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